Open Space & Recreation Plan

The Webster's Open Space and Recreation Plan was approved by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs in the spring of 2019. The Open Space and Recreation Plan was prepared for the Town of Webster under the direction of the Town Administrator, with coordination provided by on-call Town Engineering and Planning firm CME Associates, and extensive input from Town officials including representatives of Planning, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, the Webster Lake Association, stakeholder groups, and input from the general public. Care has been taken to see that this Plan is consistent with the Town’s previous planning efforts and its current policies regarding future growth and development. The Plan is a continuation and expansion of the goals and objectives outlined in Webster’s previous Open Space and Recreation Plan (2009) and is consistent with the Town of Webster Master Plan (2014). Mapping support for this Plan was also derived from Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CRMPC).

Towards these ends, the Plan’s action strategies are centered on the following goals:

• Protect large areas of undeveloped space in the Town of Webster.
• Preserve Webster’s natural resources, especially its remaining open space, wetland and wildlife communities and scenic views.
• Preserve the quality and character of Webster Lake for all residents, current and future, to enjoy.
• Improve and expand the Town’s open space and recreation facilities for the enjoyment of all residents of Webster.
• Link active and passive recreation areas.
• Preserve and enhance the historic character of downtown Webster.

The goals of this Plan will serve as a guide for Webster in its future efforts to protect open space and provide recreation resources
for its citizens. The goals are broad, ambitious, and ongoing in nature. Delivery upon these goals will require cooperation and
organization among Town officials, boards and committees, extensive participation from residents and stakeholders, and
contribution and support from the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission and the State of Massachusetts.